Facet Block

[Nairek]

I have a question with regard to facet blocks use as a diagnostic test.

Does anyone have an idea as to how long the numbing medication works for?

My thought was about 4 hours, something like a Novocaine shot.

[CindyLou]

Hi Nairek,

Yes, that is about right. 4-6 hours tops, likely for relief. Some docs say 8 hours relief, but mine never lasted that long. Did you experience good relief?

Keep us posted,

Cindylou

[Nairek]

Hi Cindylou,

I didn't feel much different after the block. I actually had increased leg pain in my left leg for a little while after the block. Weird. I know I felt all 4 needles go in to my back (bi-lateral block) & I felt the numbing medication being injected. My hands were shaking for a good 10 minutes at the end of the procedure. Perhaps from the pain or maybe the anesthesia.

I had the block done about 2 pm & at 5 pm right before our train pulled into our station, I moved a certain way & I got that same old pain that I usually get.

So I guess all in all the block was negative. I'll be discussing the results with my OS on Thursday if I'm not snowed/iced in.

Thanks for your response & I will try & keep tabs on here.

Karin

[annapurna]

Don't be surprised if it's a lot shorter than four hours as well. Too short and you start wondering if the pain relief you're feeling is primarily from the needle penetrating and releasing trigger points but Laura's relief wasn't ever much over an hour.

[Nairek]

I never even thought about the needles releasing trigger points.